4 Reasons You Should Waterproof Your Basement

Waterproofing your foundation is an unseen improvement that will make your home more usable and comfortable, but it is one that few people really consider due to the hidden nature of foundations and basements.

Basements are typically the area of a structure most at risk for water damage because they are located below grade and surrounded by soil. Soil releases water it has absorbed during rain or when snow melts, and the water can end up in the basement through leaks or cracks.  Water can even migrate through solid concrete walls via capillary action, which is a phenomenon whereby liquid spontaneously rises in a narrow space, such as a thin tube, or via porous materials.  Wet basements can cause problems that include peeling paint, toxic mold contamination, building rot, foundation collapse, and termite damage.  Even interior air quality can be affected if naturally occurring gasses released by the soil are being transmitted into the basement.

Properly waterproofing a basement will lessen the risk of damage caused by moisture or water.  Homeowners will want to be aware of what they can do to keep their basements dry and safe from damage.  Inspectors can also benefit from being aware of these basic strategies for preventing leaks and floods.

any homeowners think that having a dry basement is impossible. They accept the damp, musty and moldy space below their home because they think there is no other way, or that it’s too expensive to fix.

Preventing water from entering the basement by ensuring it is diverted away from the foundation is of primary concern.  Poor roof drainage and surface runoff due to gutter defects and improper site grading may be the most common causes of wet basements.  Addressing these issues will go a long way toward ensuring that water does not penetrate the basement.

There are a lot of reasons to consider waterproofing your basement, but let’s explore the four most important reasons.

Reducing the Risk of Flooding

Flooding is a very real risk as we’ve seen in recent years. Some across the country are still recovering from these floods. It only takes one decent storm to have an indoor swimming pool within your own home.

Waterproofing reduces the risk of flooding by reshaping the way water interacts with your home. French drains can redirect water in safe ways. Waterproofing your foundation will keep more water away from your home, which in turn reduces the likelihood that water will enter your home. And sealing the basement can help keep water out of your basement. Unfortunately, home plumbing leaks are a common occurrence and happen when you least expect them. These leaks can come from any of the many plumbing features throughout your home. Even a small lead can become a basement flood that leads to extensive damage to finishing materials and stored items.

There are few things that can cause more damage to a home than a full-scale basement flood, especially if you have a finished basement.

Keeping Your Basement Dry

While not every home has a basement, the ones that do will appreciate having a dry one.

Foundation waterproofing enables this by reducing the amount of water that seeps into a home. It can divert it while adding a waterproof barrier.

The result is a basement that can be used for everything from recreation to storage. This allows you to maximize the usage of your basement without having to worry about floods, leaks or moisture that can cause extensive damage.

A perimeter drainage channel installed in the basement can effectively solve basement water problems by capturing wall and floor seepage before it reaches your basement floor. Unlike traditional French drains that are installed outside the foundation or alongside the footing, a perimeter drainage channel, like Groundworks’ BasementGutter™, won’t clog with silt or plant roots.

When BasementGutter™ is installed together with the AquaStop™ Triple sump pump system, your basement has complete protection. Water enters the system via inlet holes and flows through the drainage pipe to the AquaStop™ Triple or another sump pump.

Reducing Overall Moisture

Moisture in a home can make your home feel warmer during the summer, cause oxidation on metal objects, destroy paper products, foster environments where mold thrives, and reduce the comfort you feel in your own home.

The first step to reducing moisture in your home is waterproofing the foundation. This is because water tends to travel upwards as it evaporates, which is why homes with a water-logged foundation tend to be more humid than homes with dry foundations.

Protecting Your Home

Water and homes seldom mix unless that water is in a controlled environment. This is a fact that remains true both inside and outside of your home.

Waterproofing your foundation can prevent water from seeping into your home where it can warp boards, cause walls to rot, and ruin your possessions. It minimizes the amount of water that seeps inside of your home.

Waterproofing the foundation also helps the outside of your home. It can help ensure that the ground where your foundation sits is less prone to shifting, which in turn can reduce the occurrence of foundation problems and leaks.

Keep your basement dry all the time. The AquaStop™ Triple sump pump system keeps your basement dry with triple the protection. Most sump pumps fail because of either a failed pump, a pump that can’t handle high volumes of water or power failure. The AquaStop™ Triple assures protection from all three sump pump problems.

To keep your home dry all the time, it’s recommended you add an ENERGY STAR rated, high-performance dehumidifier and air filtration system like Groundworks’ AquaStop Air system. Our dehumidification systems lower the humidity in your basement to reduce allergens and mold and eliminate dampness and musty odors.

A Waterproofed Foundation Makes for a Smart Home

Waterproofing your foundation is one of the most important improvements you can make to your home. It keeps the inside dry while ensuring that the structure itself does not experience costly and bothersome foundation issues.

If you want to ensure that your foundation stays dry, then contact Groundworks.